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Exercise is effective in alleviating core symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis—such as fatigue, pain, and disease activity—but shows limited impact on physical function and broader inflammatory markers.
An umbrella meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) offers promising evidence that exercise can meaningfully ease several symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). While the physical function benefits remain limited, the findings support the role of exercise in easing fatigue, pain, disease activity, and inflammation in individuals living with RA.
Researchers systematically reviewed and analyzed data from 17 previously published meta-analyses using major scientific databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Library. Only studies based on RCTs were included, ensuring a high level of clinical evidence. Effect sizes were calculated via a random-effects model, and results were expressed through standardized or weighted mean differences (SMDs/WMDs) with 95% confidence intervals.
Key findings:
Despite these positive outcomes, the analysis revealed no substantial improvement in hand grip strength, overall muscle strength, walking ability (6-minute walk test), joint function assessments, and other inflammatory biomarkers beyond ESR. While exercise may not dramatically enhance physical capabilities or alter inflammatory profiles beyond ESR, its consistent benefit in tackling core RA symptoms like fatigue, pain, and disease activity underscores its clinical importance.
Thus, structured physical activity should be viewed as a supportive strategy for symptom alleviation in RA, even though it may not produce broader physiological changes. The findings reinforce the therapeutic value of exercise as an adjunct to conventional RA treatments, offering patients a non-pharmacologic option to improve daily living and overall well-being.
Frontiers in Physiology
The effect of exercise therapy on pain, fatigue, bone function and inflammatory biomarkers individuals with rheumatoid arthritis and knee osteoarthritis: a meta-research review of randomized controlled trials
Xiaoting Fu et al.
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